Mouth Ulcers and Canker Sores: Causes, Home Remedies, and When to Get Help

Dr. Shrey Suri · Gurugram · Updated 2026-09-02

Almost everyone gets a mouth ulcer at some point. These small, painful sores on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums can make eating and talking uncomfortable. Most are harmless and heal on their own, but some sores need a closer look. Here is what causes them, what actually helps, and when it is time to visit a dentist in Gurugram.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are not fully understood, but several common triggers are known.

• Minor injury: Accidentally biting your cheek, a sharp tooth edge, rough dental work, or braces rubbing against soft tissue.
• Stress and fatigue: Periods of high stress or poor sleep are often linked to flare ups.
• Food sensitivities: Acidic or spicy foods, citrus fruits, and certain nuts can trigger sores in some people.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin B12, folate, iron, or zinc are commonly associated with recurrent ulcers.
• Hormonal changes: Some women notice ulcers around their menstrual cycle.
• Toothpaste ingredients: Sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent in some toothpastes, has been linked to ulcers in sensitive individuals.
• Underlying conditions: Less commonly, ulcers can be a sign of digestive conditions, immune system issues, or vitamin deficiencies that need medical attention.

Home Remedies for Relief

Most simple ulcers can be managed at home while they heal naturally.

• Rinse gently with warm salt water, two to three times a day.
• Try a rinse of water mixed with a small amount of baking soda to help reduce irritation.
• Apply a small dab of milk of magnesia directly on the ulcer to soothe discomfort.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, salty, or very hot foods until the sore heals.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush and brush gently around the sore.
• Over the counter oral gels or ointments meant for mouth ulcers can numb the area temporarily.
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet with enough leafy greens, dairy, and protein to support healing.

These steps usually ease pain within a few days and the ulcer should heal completely within one to two weeks.

When Home Care Is Not Enough

Sometimes over the counter measures are not sufficient. A dentist can prescribe a stronger topical treatment, a medicated mouth rinse, or in some cases identify an underlying cause that needs correction, such as a rough tooth or filling that keeps re-injuring the same spot.

Signs You Should See a Dentist in Gurugram

• The ulcer has not healed after two weeks.
• Sores are unusually large, deep, or extremely painful.
• You get new ulcers frequently, one after another.
• The ulcer is accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, or general illness.
• You notice a hard lump, white patch, or a sore that does not hurt but does not heal.
• A sharp tooth, denture edge, or dental appliance seems to be causing repeated injury.

A sore that lingers beyond two to three weeks, especially if it does not hurt in the usual way, should always be examined. While most persistent sores turn out to be harmless, a dental checkup can rule out anything more serious and give peace of mind.

How a Dentist Evaluates Persistent Sores

During a visit, the dentist will look at the size, shape, and location of the ulcer, ask about your medical history and diet, and check for any dental causes like a broken tooth or ill fitting appliance. If needed, a simple blood test may be suggested to check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. In rare cases where a sore looks unusual, a small tissue sample may be recommended for further testing, purely as a precaution.

Preventing Future Ulcers

While ulcers cannot always be avoided, a few habits can lower how often they appear. Using a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate, eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, managing stress, and getting regular dental checkups in Gurugram to catch sharp edges or ill fitting dental work early can all help reduce flare ups over time.

Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.